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THE TRIAL OF SALVATION 🪐
Chapter 1: The Prophecy and the Summoning
The Kingdom of Elenor – A Fateful Meeting
The grand hall of the Royal Palace of Elenor was filled with tension. King Lucas Elenor sat upon his golden throne, his expression grim. Seated before him were his children—Princess Rose Elenor and Prince Shiki Elenor—along with the high priest of the Holy Temple. The air was thick with the weight of an ominous prophecy.
King Lucas spoke, his voice heavy with concern.
"If Miss Seala's prophecy is true, then the Demon King will reincarnate in two years. We must be ready for an all-out war."
Princess Rose, her emerald eyes sharp, folded her arms. "We can't win a full-scale war. Our forces are too weak."
Her brother, Prince Shiki, slammed his fist on the table. "So, what? You're saying we should just sit here and do nothing?"
"I'm not saying we do nothing," Rose countered. "I'm saying that with our current strength, we will lose. That’s why we need... heroes."
The room fell silent. Everyone understood the implication of her words.
King Lucas’s gaze darkened. "Are you suggesting we summon warriors from another world?"
The High Priest of the Holy Temple stepped forward, his white robes flowing. "But such an act is forbidden! The gods have deemed it unnatural."
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The king let out a heavy sigh. "If we do nothing, the demons will slaughter every last human in this kingdom. Is that what you want?"
The priest hesitated, then lowered his head. "Then… we have no choice."
And so, the forbidden ritual was performed.
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Tokyo, Japan – A Sudden Change of Fate
The streets of Tokyo were as lively as ever. Cars rushed down the roads, neon lights flickered, and people bustled about, lost in their daily routines.
Among them was Masha Youkimora, a 23-year-old office worker dragging herself home after a long day at work. Walking beside her was Hiori Yamamoto, a 16-year-old high school student, chatting excitedly with her older brother, Haru Yamamoto, a 20-year-old manga artist.
The three of them were crossing the street when—
A blinding light engulfed them.
A massive magic circle appeared beneath their feet, glowing with an ancient power.
The next thing they knew, the bustling streets of Tokyo had vanished.
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The Holy Temple of Elenor – The Summoning of Heroes
Masha gasped, her breath unsteady. She was no longer in the city. Instead, she stood inside a vast hall, the scent of incense filling the air. Stained glass windows lined the walls, casting colorful reflections on the stone floor.
In front of them stood a man adorned in royal garments. His golden crown shimmered under the temple’s light.
"Welcome, brave heroes," the man spoke. "I am King Lucas Elenor, ruler of this land. You have been summoned to the Kingdom of Elenor to aid us in our fight against the Demon King, who will reincarnate in two years."
Masha’s heart pounded. "S-Sir… Where are we?"
The king’s expression remained solemn. "You are no longer in your world. This is Elenor."
Haru clenched his fists. "You’re telling me we were dragged into another world? No way! Send us back right now!"
King Lucas shook his head. "I’m afraid we cannot."
Masha felt a cold chill creep up her spine. "Why not?"
"Because if you do not help us, our kingdom—our people—will perish," the king answered gravely.
Hiori swallowed hard. "H-How many people live in this kingdom?"
A young woman stepped forward. She had flowing silver hair, piercing green eyes, and wore a white gown adorned with royal embroidery. Her presence was elegant yet commanding.
"Almost one hundred thousand," she answered.
Hiori turned to her. "A-And who are you, ma’am?"
The woman smiled gently. "I am Princess Rose Elenor. And you are?"
"My name is Hiori Yamamoto. This is Masha Youkimora, my brother’s friend, and my big brother, Haru Yamamoto. Nice to meet you."
Masha took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "But… why us? We don’t have any powers, and we don’t know how to fight."
The High Priest stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "That is not true. Though you may not realize it yet, you have been gifted with abilities from the gods who brought you here. You were summoned now so that you have time to train before the Demon King’s return."
Haru narrowed his eyes. "And what do we get in return?"
King Lucas did not hesitate. "Anything you desire. Wealth, land, titles. If you wish to return to your world once the war is won, we will find a way to send you back."
Haru crossed his arms, thinking. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. We’ll help. But once this is over, you have to send us home."
The king smiled in relief. "Then allow us to escort you to the Royal Palace. You will stay there for a few days to recover. Afterward, you will begin your training at the Royal Academy of Elenor."
And thus, their journey in another world had begun.
To be continued…